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LEIA Safety Information Sheet

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS Cards) Prepared by the LEIA Safety and Environment Committee

LEIA Safety Information Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS Cards) 10/19

Document Reference 41 41.2 Issue Nº 4 Revision Date 11/10/2019 Next Review Date OCT 2024

Contents PREAMBLE ........................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 3

TYPES OF CARD ................................................................................................................................... 4

Temporary Cards: ............................................................................................................................ 4

Renewable Cards: ............................................................................................................................ 4

OCCUPATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 4

THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT TEST ................................................................................ 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4

Types of Test ................................................................................................................................... 5

Exemptions ...................................................................................................................................... 5

CARDS NO LONGER AVAILABLE .......................................................................................................... 5

HOW TO APPLY ................................................................................................................................... 6

ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICATION WITH OLDER QUALIFICATIONS ................................................. 7

ANNEX A REQUIREMENTS FOR TYPE OF CARD ................................................................................... 8

ANNEX B LIFT AND ESCALATOR RELATED OCCUPATIONS ................................................................ 13

Occupations Under Development ................................................................................................. 15

ANNEX C ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS ..................................................................... 16

ANNEX D ACCEPTABLE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 18

ANNEX E LEIA COMPARISON OF OLDER AND CURRENT QUALIFICATIONS ...................................... 19



SAFETY INFORMATION SHEET

CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME (CSCS CARDS)

PREAMBLE

This Information Sheet is one of a series produced by the LEIA Safety and Environment Committee

on topics relevant to the Lift and Escalator Industry. Whilst every effort has been taken in the

production of these sheets, it must be acknowledged that they should be read in conjunction with

the relevant legislation, codes of practice etc. They should not be taken as an authoritative

interpretation of the law but guidance to it.

INTRODUCTION

NOTE: This information is correct as of 11th October 2019. The requirements for CSCS cards frequently

change and you are advised to check with the CSCS helpline noted below for up to date information.

The CSCS card scheme was introduced in 2002 as a response by the construction industry to the call

for a fully qualified workforce in order to promote competence and hence safety on sites.

To apply for a CSCS card you need to prove you have the training and qualifications required to carry

out your job. The type of work you do, how experienced you are and your qualifications or

membership of professional bodies will determine which type of CSCS card you should apply for.

The CSCS scheme is a competence recording scheme and relies on the obtaining of a competence

qualification, generally an NVQ Diploma at Level 2 or 3. Other qualifications can permit application

for a card and these will be discussed later.

CSCS chose the NVQ qualification because it requires a '100% pass’; knowledge qualifications such as

HNC, BTEC can be achieved with a lower pass rate. CSCS wanted confidence that every card holder

was competent.

You also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test (HS&E test). There are different

types of test; you need to ensure you take the correct test for the card you are applying for to avoid

wasted time, money and effort.

Cards are defined by both Type and Occupation. Colours are used to approximately define the level

of qualification required to obtain the Type of card. Occupation endorses the back of the card with

the skill as demonstrated by the qualification(s) submitted at application. Note that an Occupation

may override the definition of the card Type.

Initially cards could be issued under the Industry Accreditation (IA) scheme (often referred to as

'Grandfather Rights'). New skills cards would be available through IA for two years only. For all lift

and escalator cards the IA period has expired.

IMPORTANT: From January 2020, all renewed IA cards will expire on 31st December 2024 and will

not be renewed. CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30th June 2024.



TYPES OF CARD

There are several types of temporary and renewable cards appropriate for the lift and

escalator industry. See Annex A for details of the requirements for each type of card.

Temporary Cards:

Apprentice (Red Card)

Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager (Red Card)

Experienced Worker (Red Card)

Trainee Card (Red Card)

Provisional (Red Card)

Renewable Cards:

Labourer (Green Card)

Site Visitor (Yellow Card)

Craft Unit Card endorsed 'Lift and Escalator Tester' (Blue Card)

Skilled Worker with appropriate lift or escalator endorsement (Blue Card)

Advanced Craft with appropriate lift or escalator endorsement (Gold Card).

Supervisor (Gold Card)

Manager endorsed 'Lift and Escalator Tester' (Black Card)

Manager (Black Card)

Academically Qualified Person (AQP) (White Card)

Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) (White Card)

OCCUPATIONS

Occupations specific to the lift and escalator industry can be searched on the CSCS website

cardfinder. For a full list see Annex B.

THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT TEST

Introduction

The aim of the test is to examine knowledge across a wide range of topics to improve safety

and productivity on site. It is usually taken as a PC-based touch screen test at either a mobile

testing unit or an accredited test centre.

NOTE the CITB Health Safety and Environment (HS&E) test does not qualify you for a CSCS

card.

To apply for a CSCS card you must demonstrate your occupational competence, evidenced

by holding an NVQ Diploma, (although other qualifications may be acceptable), and, in most

cases, you must also pass the HS&E test within the previous two years.



The test is operated by CITB (not CSCS) and must be taken by all applicants. The type of test

you need to take depends on which card you are applying for. Exemptions to this

requirement are listed below.

Before the HS&E test, you will be asked to place all electronic devices (with phones and

other Bluetooth-enabled devices switched completely off) in a locker whilst you undertake

the test. You will not be permitted to wear a watch, coat or jumper and your sleeves must

be rolled up. You will be asked to prove your pockets are empty. This is to avoid any

measure of cheating; the test centres are also used for the Driving Test Theory Test so

security is paramount and complete. You will have to carry your ID with you at all times so

don't lock it away.

Types of Test

Most lift and escalator related occupations (including those for Temporary cards) will have

to take the specialist Lift and Escalator test, but you must check carefully as you will forfeit

the cost of the test if you take the wrong one.

• Operative Test

• Specialist Lift and Escalator Test

• Supervisor Test

• Managers and Professionals Test with Specialist CDM Regulations questions (other

specialist MAP tests relate to demolition and to highway works)

Exemptions

If you are applying for a Trainee card, being registered on an appropriate NVQ, you are

permitted to apply with the Operative HS&E test. Passed tests are valid for up to two years,

so if you are near to completing your NVQ within the next two years, it may be worth

undertaking the Specialist Lift and Escalator test as this can also be used to apply for a full

Skilled or Advanced Craft card.

Prior to September 2019, if you had achieved a construction related NVQ or SVQ within the

previous two years, you were exempted from the CITB HS&E test. This exemption has now

been withdrawn.

CSCS has a mutual recognition agreement with FAS (Eire) Safepass which acts as an

exemption to the Operative or Specialist HS&E test requirement. However, Safepass is not

acceptable as an exemption to the Supervisor or Managers and Professionals (MAP) level

HS&E test.

If you are on an Apprentice scheme, you may be exempt if you can provide a certificate for a

one day Health and Safety Awareness course or a Health and Safety unit was included in

your induction or initial qualification. Proof will be required by CSCS.

CARDS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Since September 2013 with the introduction of the Academically Qualified Persons card,

CSCS no longer issues red Graduate cards. Current cards are valid until their expiry date.



CSCS Platinum cards were withdrawn in January 2010. They will be replaced with a Black

card.

Construction Related Occupation (CRO) cards are being withdrawn and will not be renewed

when they expire. All CRO cards issued from 1st October 2015 will expire on 30th

September 2017 and are not renewable. CRO cards issued before 1st October 2015 that

expire after 30th September 2017 will remain valid until their expiry date. CSCS will stop

issuing CRO cards from 31st March 2017. Alternative cards are the Green Labourer Card or a

card under development by LEIA.

If you hold a CRO card expiring in September, you may be able to apply for a temporary red

Experienced Worker card, valid for one year whilst new qualifications are developed

covering your specialism.

CSCS have added an explanation of the development of the Labourer card to their website:

https://www.cscs.uk.com/cro6/

It states:

Following discussions with industry representatives, it has been agreed that a number of CRO

occupations are labouring occupations and should be moved across to the green Labourer Card.

CRO card holders working in these occupations are expected to complete an approved qualification

and apply for the green Labourer Card before existing CRO cards expire. If you do not move across to

the Labourer Card you will be unable to obtain another CSCS card.

Visit the Labourer Card page on the CSCS website site for further details on the qualification

requirements and how to apply for the Labourer Card.

We understand that some employers/contractors may not be aware that industry has approved the

transfer of these occupations to Labouring categories. This could lead to questions asked about the

appropriateness of you holding the green Labourer Card.

Should this query be raised by your employer/contractor direct them to this webpage or request they

contact the CSCS team at [email protected] or telephone 0344 944 4777.

If you hold a CRO in Lift Car Interiors & Architectural Finishes Specialist or Lift Refurbishment

(Non Mechanical) Operative, these are now classed by CSCS as ‘occupations with

qualifications requiring enhancement’. LEIA and other interested parties are developing a

specialist qualification for these craftspeople.

Trainee (craft and operative) and Trainee (technical, Supervisor and management) cards

were withdrawn in August 2016. They are replaced by the red Trainee Card.

HOW TO APPLY

You are strongly recommended to apply for your card through the official CSCS website

(www.cscs.uk.com) or telephone helpdesk 0344 994 47771. The helpdesk is open from

8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank holidays or by writing to CSCS, PO Box 114,

Bircham Newton, King’s Lynn, PE31 6XD.

1 Phone Number correct as at November 2018. Please check on the CSCS website www.cscs.uk.com

https://www.cscs.uk.com/cro6/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cscs.uk.com/



Note that CSCS cards can be renewed 6 months prior to, and up to 6 months after, the

expiry date. The expiry date of the new card will be as if the card was renewed on time.

THERE ARE COMPANIES THAT OFFER TEST ADMINISTRATION OR EVEN COMPLETE

APPLICATION SERVICES FOR AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE HAPPY

WITH THESE CHARGES BEFORE USING THEM.

SUCH COMPANIES MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE AGREEMENTS FOR RECOGNITION OF OLDER QUALIFICATIONS ENTERED INTO BY LEIA AND CSCS

ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICATION WITH OLDER QUALIFICATIONS

CSCS have agreed to accept certain older qualifications where these are still recognised by

the lift and escalator industry.

J Modules awarded until approximately 1989 and J Segments awarded until approximately

1999 are still recognised and will be accepted by CSCS towards a relevant card.

The industry Level 4 qualification LET01 and earlier, comprising three or four units of a Level

4 NVQ are recognised by the lift and escalator industry as suitable for the requirements of a

tester, and will be accepted by CSCS towards a blue skilled CSCS Card, endorsed Lift &

Escalator Tester. CSCS will not accept this towards the black Manager card as the

qualification is not and never was a full NVQ qualification.

See Annex E for LEIA comparisons of older and current qualifications.

For any clarification of this information sheet contact your company Safety Advisor or the

LEIA Safety and Training Manager.



ANNEX A REQUIREMENTS FOR TYPE OF CARD

WHO FOR VALID CONDITIONS NEXT CARD CITB HS&E TEST

TEMPORARY CARDS

Apprentice

registered on a recognised apprenticeship framework

four years and six months

letter from the apprenticeship Managing Agency (if one was appointed) or apprenticeship training provider, confirming registration and qualifications (with full titles and pathways).

Blue Skilled Worker or Gold Advanced Craft Card

Operative




Experienced Technical, Supervisor or Manager

Supervisors and Managers with at least one year on the job experience in the last three, without an NVQ Level 3 or above

three years replaced by a renewable card on achievement of an NVQ at Level 3 or higher.

Gold Supervisor or Black Manager Card

Supervisor or Managers and Professionals (MAP)

Experienced Worker

workers with at least one year on the job experience in the last three

one year replaced by a renewable card on achievement of an NVQ at Level 2 or higher. Workers must be registered on the NVQ


Relevant (ie Specialist Lift and Escalator)




Trainee Card trainees registered on an appropriate qualification dependent upon their target skill level

Five years replaced by a renewable card on achievement of the qualification


Relevant (ie Specialist Lift and Escalator)2

Provisional Workers on probation, undergoing supervised work experience or working as labourers

Six months achieve or be registered on an appropriate qualification

Green Labourer or Basic Skills Card, Blue Skilled Worker or Gold Advanced Craft Card, Gold Supervisor or Black Manager Card

Operative

2 See Exemptions P41.5




RENEWABLE CARDS

Labourer Achieved Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or equivalent.

Five years Equivalent qualifications listed in the CSCS website. Once used, equivalent qualification cannot be reused at renewal

Green Labourer Card Operative

Skilled Worker achieved an NVQ level 2

Five years construction related NVQ

Blue Skilled Worker Card


Advanced Craft achieved an NVQ level 3 or an indentured apprenticeship

Five years construction related NVQ

Gold Advanced Craft Card


Supervisor Achieved an NVQ level 3 or 4

Five years Construction Related Supervisor NVQ only

Gold Supervisor Card Supervisor

Manager achievement of an NVQ level 5, 6 or 7 level qualification or a pre-existing NVQ level 4

Five years NVQ in construction management

Black Manager Card Managers and Professionals (MAP)




Academically Qualified Person (AQP)

completed Degree, HND, HNC, CIOB Certificate or NEBOSH diploma

Five years A copy of qualification and evidence of the units achieved. See Annex D for list of acceptable qualifications

Green Labourer or Basic Skills Card, Blue Skilled Worker or Gold Advanced Craft Card, Gold Supervisor or Black Manager Card

Managers and Professionals (MAP)

Professionally Qualified Person (PQP)

competence assessed members of approved Professional Bodies. See Annex C for CSCS approved bodies

five years provide details of a person who belongs to the same professional body at the same level or higher

White PQP Card Managers and Professionals (MAP)

Site Visitor Those who frequently visit a construction site, but have no construction specific skill

Five years3 holders will not engage in any work, design, Supervisor or manual, whist on site

Yellow Site Visitor Card

Operative

3Site Visitor cards issued from 3rd September 2018 will expire on 31st August 2020 and CSCS will stop issuing the card from 28th February 2020. All CSV cards issued before 3rd September 2018 will remain valid until their expiry date.



ANNEX B LIFT AND ESCALATOR RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Note that these Occupations reflect the current listing on the CSCS cardfinder system and may not be exactly aligned with industry practice.

QUALIFICATION CARD TYPE CITB HS&E TEST LEVEL ENDORSEMENTS

Lift/Escalator Tester

with NVQ or SVQ Units qualification not specified Blue Unit Card CSCS Card Specialist Lift and Escalator

Lift & Escalator Tester

with VQ Certificate Level 4

VQ Level 4 Certificate in Performing and Testing Operations in the Lift and Escalator Industry

Black Management CSCS Card


Lift & Escalator Tester

Service Lift Engineer:

with approved Indentured Apprenticeship

qualification not specified Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card

Specialist Lift and Escalator

with informal Employer Apprenticeship

City and Guilds Craft Certificate

Blue Skilled CSCS Card Specialist Lift and Escalator

with VQ Diploma Level 3 VQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Maintenance (Lift Repair)

Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card


with VQ Level 2 Level 2 Engineering Maintenance and Installation (Installing Service Lifts)


Service Lift Installer or Service Lift Maintainer




with VQ Level 3 VQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance (Lift Maintenance)



with VQ Level 3 VQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance (Lift Repair)



Stairlift Engineer

With VQ Level 2 VQ Level 2 Engineering Maintenance and Installation (Installing Stairlifts)


Stairlift Installer or Stairlift Maintainer

Lift & Escalator Manager

With VQ Level 4 qualification not specified Black Management CSCS Card


Lift & Escalator Supervisor

With VQ Level 3 qualification not specified Gold Supervisor CSCS Card

Supervisor

Lift Installer

With VQ Diploma Level 2 qualification not specified Blue Skilled CSCS Card Specialist Lift and Escalator

with VQ Level 3 qualification not specified Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card


Lift Installer

Lift Maintenance Fitter

With VQ Diploma Level 2 qualification not specified Blue Skilled CSCS Card Specialist Lift and Escalator




with VQ Level 3 qualification not specified Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card


Lift Maintainer

Platform Lift Installer

With VQ Diploma Level 2 VQ Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Maintenance and Installation


Platform Lift Installer

Escalator Installer

With VQ Level 3 qualification not specified Gold Advanced Craft CSCS Card


Escalator Installer

NVQ Assessors and IQA

Assessors and IQA must be escorted at all times. Trainees who hold valid CSCS cards could act as escort whilst on site

None required

Occupations Under Development4

Lift and Escalator Industry Support Services Operations

This occupation is intended to be available to workers who have specialist skills not applicable for a full NVQ. For lift- and escalator-related

occupations it is intended that the blue Craft Unit card be appropriately endorsed. Endorsement cannot be retrospectively applied to existing

cards.

It is intended to be available if you have a Level 2 approved qualification.

All applicants must pass the Specialist Lift and Escalator HS&E test.

4 Development of this card and qualification combination is currently ongoing between LEIA, EAL, Semta and CSCS. (October 2019)



ANNEX C ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) Card – Listing of Acceptable Professional Bodies:

Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Association for Project Management (APM)

Association for Project Safety (APS)

British Computer Society (BCS)

British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BInstNDT)

Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (Operatives HS&E test only)

Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)

Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)

Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Energy Institute (EI)

Engineer Ireland (IEI)

Geological Society (GEOL)

Institute of Acoustics (IOA)

Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME)

Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI)

Institute of Conservation

Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE)

Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)

Institute of Maintenance and Building Management (IMBM)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IMMM)

Institute of Measurement Control (InstMC)

Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)

Institute of Physics (InstPhys)

Institute of Roofing (IoR)

Institute of Water

Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE)

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Institution of Engineering Designers (IED)

Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)

Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)

Institution of Healthcare Engineering & Estate Management (IHEEM)

Institution of Highways Engineers (IHE)

Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP)

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE)

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE)

Institution of Royal Engineers (InstrRE)



Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Landscape Institute (LI)

Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)

Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA)

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Society of Environmental Engineers (SEE)

Society of Operations Engineers (SOE)

Welding Institute (TWI)



ANNEX D ACCEPTABLE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degrees, HNDs and HNCs with the following titles may be accepted for the AQP card:

Building Services Engineering (Electrical Installation)

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Systems

Electrical and Electronic Systems Engineering

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering with Communications

Electrical Systems Engineering

Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Lift Engineering (including HNC and MSc)

Many other Degree, HND and HNC qualification titles are listed on the CSCS website: https://www.cscs.uk.com/aqp-groupings/

https://www.cscs.uk.com/aqp-groupings/



ANNEX E LEIA COMPARISON OF OLDER AND CURRENT QUALIFICATIONS

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